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First-Time Home Buyer Programs in the DMV
Buying your first home is exciting — and a little overwhelming. This is your complete, no-nonsense guide to the assistance programs, loans, costs, and steps for buying in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Many first-time buyers qualify for thousands in help — sometimes even $0 down. We'll make sure you don't leave any of it on the table.
Free Buyer Consultation
Your first-home head start
- ✓Every assistance program you qualify for, surfaced.
- ✓$0-down VA & USDA options explored.
- ✓Connected to a trusted lender for pre-approval.
- ✓A team that's guided hundreds of DMV buyers home.
No cost, no obligation. We meet you wherever you are.
$0
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Good news: you may qualify even if you've owned before
For most programs, a "first-time buyer" is anyone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the last three years — so a surprising number of people qualify. Depending on your income, credit, and the home's price and location, first-time buyer programs can offer low or no down payment, down payment and closing-cost assistance, reduced interest rates, flexible credit requirements, and special help for certain professions like teachers, first responders, and government employees.
🎯 The REC approach
There are dozens of programs across the DMV, and the rules change constantly. Our job is to match your exact situation to every program you qualify for, connect you with a trusted lender, and stack the right loan with the right assistance — so you buy with maximum help and minimum stress.
Assistance & grant programs
Real money toward your first DMV home
Each part of the DMV runs its own first-time buyer programs. Here's a starting map — we'll confirm exactly which ones fit you.
Maryland
MMP & local programs
- Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) — down payment & closing-cost help via loans or grants
- 1st Time Advantage — competitive rates for first-time buyers
- Montgomery County homeownership assistance
- City of Gaithersburg homebuyer assistance
- Frederick County down payment help
- Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) — annual federal tax savings
Washington, DC
DC Open Doors & HPAP
- DC Open Doors — down payment & closing-cost assistance
- HPAP — substantial gap financing for first-time buyers
- EAHP — extra help for District government employees
- Added assistance for first responders & educators
- Below-market first-mortgage options
Virginia
Virginia Housing programs
- Down Payment Assistance Grants — no repayment required
- Flex programs for first-time & repeat buyers
- DHCD gap financing for eligible incomes
- Closing-cost assistance options
- Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) tax savings
- Free homebuyer education courses
Loan options
First-time buyer loans, compared
Assistance programs usually pair with one of these loans. The right fit depends on your credit, savings, and the property.
→ Swipe to see full table
| Loan | Min. Down | Credit (typical) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | 3.5% | Lower scores OK | First-time & flexible-credit buyers |
| VA | $0 down | Flexible | Veterans & active-duty service members |
| USDA | $0 down | Flexible | Eligible rural & suburban areas |
| Conventional | As low as 3% | 620+ | Strong-credit buyers |
| Fannie Mae HomeReady® | As low as 3% | 620+ | Good credit, limited down-payment cash |
The buying roadmap
From "thinking about it" to keys — step by step
Here's exactly how the journey works. We're with you at every stage.
1
Check your readiness
Review your credit, savings, and monthly budget. Don't worry if it's not perfect — programs exist for a wide range of situations.
2
Get pre-approved
A lender verifies your income, assets, and credit and issues a letter showing your true budget. This is the real starting line.
3
Match your assistance programs
We identify every down payment, grant, and tax-credit program you qualify for and stack them with the right loan.
4
House hunt with a plan
We send a curated list matched to your criteria and tour the best fits — no endless scrolling.
5
Make a winning offer
We craft a competitive, well-structured offer and negotiate hard on price, terms, and contingencies.
6
Inspection & appraisal
We coordinate your home inspection and the lender's appraisal, and renegotiate if issues come up.
7
Final loan approval
Your lender finalizes underwriting. We keep every party and deadline on track so nothing stalls.
8
Closing day
You sign, your assistance funds apply, and you get the keys to your first home. Welcome home.
Costs to expect
What it really takes to buy
Knowing the numbers up front removes the fear. Here are the main costs — and how assistance programs can shrink them.
$0–3.5%+
Down payment
From $0 (VA/USDA) to 3.5% (FHA) or 3% (conventional). Assistance programs can cover much of it.
~2–5%
Closing costs
Lender, title, and government fees, typically a few percent of the price — often reducible with assistance or seller credits.
~1%
Earnest money
A good-faith deposit with your offer that applies toward your down payment and closing at settlement.
Ranges are general and vary by loan, price, county, and program. We'll build you a clear, personalized cost estimate.
Get-ready checklist
Documents your lender will want
Gather these and pre-approval moves fast — often within a day.
✓Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
✓W-2s & tax returns (last 2 years)
✓Bank statements (last 2–3 months)
✓Photo ID & Social Security number
✓Proof of additional income, if any
✓Records of debts & monthly obligations
✓Gift letter, if using gift funds
✓Self-employed: profit & loss / 1099s
Buy smart
First-time buyer mistakes to avoid
✕
House hunting before pre-approval
You'll fall for homes outside your budget — or lose one because you weren't ready to offer. Pre-approval comes first.
✕
Skipping assistance programs
Many buyers never learn they qualify for thousands in help. Don't leave free money on the table.
✕
Forgetting closing costs
Budgeting only for the down payment leaves buyers short. Plan for closing costs too — or offset them with credits.
✕
Opening new credit mid-purchase
A new car loan or card before closing can sink your approval. Keep your finances steady until you have the keys.
✕
Waiving inspection to win
In a hot market it's tempting, but inspections protect first-time buyers from costly surprises. We'll advise smart alternatives.
✕
Going it alone
The programs, contracts, and negotiations are complex. The right agent costs you nothing extra and protects your interests.
Speak the language
First-time buyer glossary
The terms you'll hear, in plain English.
Pre-Qualification
A quick, informal estimate of what you might borrow, based on information you share.
Pre-Approval
A stronger, verified commitment from a lender stating how much you're approved to borrow — what sellers want to see.
Down Payment
The portion of the price you pay up front. Can be as low as $0–3.5% with the right loan and assistance.
Closing Costs
Fees to finalize your loan and purchase — lender, title, and government charges, typically a few percent of the price.
Earnest Money
A good-faith deposit submitted with your offer that applies toward your down payment and closing costs.
PMI / MIP
Mortgage insurance required on some low-down-payment loans; it protects the lender, not you, and can sometimes be removed later.
Escrow
A neutral account that holds funds (like taxes and insurance, or your earnest money) until the transaction's terms are met.
Contingency
A condition in your contract — like inspection or financing — that must be met or you can exit without losing your deposit.
DTI (Debt-to-Income)
The share of your monthly income that goes to debt. Lenders use it to decide how much you can borrow.
APR
The yearly cost of your loan including interest and certain fees — a truer comparison than the interest rate alone.
MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate)
A program that lets eligible first-time buyers claim part of their mortgage interest as a federal tax credit each year.
Appraisal
A lender-ordered, independent estimate of the home's value to confirm it supports the loan amount.
Keep exploring
More first-time buyer resources
Down Payment Assistance →
Programs that put cash toward your down payment.
Grant Money Programs →
Grants you may not need to repay.
Mortgage Programs →
Every loan option, compared side by side.
Financing Hub →
How financing works across the DMV.
Buying in the DMV →
The full buyer experience with REC.
Get Pre-Approved →
Start your free consultation today.
First-time buyer questions
FAQs
Who counts as a first-time home buyer? +
For most programs, a first-time buyer is anyone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past three years — so you may qualify even if you've owned before. Some programs also have exceptions for certain areas or professions. We'll help you confirm your eligibility.
How much do I need for a down payment? +
Less than most people think. VA and USDA loans can offer $0 down for eligible buyers, FHA allows as little as 3.5%, and some conventional programs allow 3%. On top of that, Maryland, DC, and Virginia run assistance programs that can cover much or all of your down payment and closing costs.
What programs are available in MD, DC, and Virginia? +
Maryland offers the Maryland Mortgage Program (plus local Montgomery, Gaithersburg, and Frederick County assistance); DC offers DC Open Doors and HPAP; and Virginia offers Virginia Housing grants and Flex programs. Many provide thousands toward down payment and closing costs, and some include a Mortgage Credit Certificate for ongoing tax savings.
What credit score do I need? +
It depends on the loan. FHA loans are typically available to buyers with lower credit scores, while conventional loans usually expect 620 or higher. Assistance programs set their own minimums. We'll connect you with a trusted lender to review your credit and match you to the right program.
Do I need to take a homebuyer education course? +
Many assistance programs require a short homebuyer education course — and it's genuinely useful. They're often free and available online. We'll point you to an approved course if your program requires one.
What's the very first step? +
Get pre-approved. It tells you your true budget, reveals which assistance programs you qualify for, and makes your offer far stronger. Gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements, then request a free consultation and we'll connect you with a trusted lender.
Free · No obligation · MD · DC · VA
Let's get you into your first home.
Start with a free consultation. We'll find every program you qualify for, get you pre-approved, and guide you all the way to closing day.
★★★★★ 5.0 · 150+ Verified Google Reviews · 500+ DMV homes bought & sold
First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Maryland, DC & Virginia
Buying your first home is a big step — and you don't have to do it with cash alone. Across the DMV there are real, named programs that lower your down payment, cover closing costs, or reduce your rate. Here are the ones we help our buyers tap into.
Federal Programs (Maryland, DC & Virginia)
- FHA Loans — As little as 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score.
- VA Loans — 0% down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.
- USDA Loans — 0% down in eligible rural and outer-suburban areas of the region.
- Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) — A federal tax credit on part of your annual mortgage interest.
Maryland
- Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) — The state's flagship: 30-year fixed loans paired with down payment assistance, including the 1st Time Advantage line for first-time buyers.
- Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 — Helps buyers carrying student debt purchase a home while paying that debt down.
- Montgomery County Specialty Programs — County-level assistance layered on top of MMP.
Washington, DC
- HPAP (Home Purchase Assistance Program) — The District's most generous down payment and closing-cost assistance, offered as a deferred, zero-interest loan.
- DC Open Doors — Broader income eligibility, with assistance that can be forgiven after five years of owner-occupancy.
- EAHP (Employer-Assisted Housing Program) — For eligible DC government employees.
Virginia
- Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant — Roughly 2–2.5% of the purchase price, with no repayment required.
- Virginia Housing Conventional / FHA Plus — Low-down-payment first mortgages that pair with the grant.
Program terms, funding, and eligibility change throughout the year. Contact REC.Homes and we'll confirm exactly what you currently qualify for.